Swelling day after lumpectomy and SNB

Hi Flora

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. I can see you are a member of one of our forums, hope you find it supportive.

My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear you have been going through a tough time recently. I hope you managed to get to rest last night after your operation.

Most people find that their wounds take about 2 – 3 weeks to heal.  The area maybe bruised and swollen at first. Swelling in the arm or chest area often develops immediately after breast surgery as part of the healing process, this usually settles without treatment. However, there are risks of several problems or complications after any operation. Treating them as soon as possible is important.  

Sometimes fluid collects near the wound and around the armpit called a seroma. This may happen after a drain has been removed.  It can cause swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection.  The fluid normally goes away on its own within a few weeks but sometimes the fluid needs to be drained by your team.

Each person is different so it is important with any new swelling or any new worse or change in symptom you contact your team today so that it can be assessed and treated appropriately as soon as possible.  I hope that this helps.

Best wishes and take care,

Paula (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

 Ref: PL / SH